Giovanna (Gianna) Albaroni was born in Florence, Italy and began playing professionally while serving in the US Army as a member of the 24th infantry division band in Fort Stewart GA, where she was able to gain extensive experience in a wide variety of musical styles. A graduate of Mansfield University where she received a BA in music, Gianna was able to continue to expand her breadth of musical styles to include orchestra, chamber music and musical theatre. Gianna's melodic and polyrhythmic approach to Classic Jazz brings a unique sound to The Nines musical arrangements.
Lauren Johnson-Albaroni began singing professionally in 1993, when she and her mother, Nancy Stewart Johnson, experimented with a cabaret act for a local community revue. Since then she has refined the sound of her soprano voice to a smooth expressive quality. Classic in nature, the silky timbre of her voice is complimented by her musical interpretation of the jazz standards she has always loved. Her pure clear sound stands out on her solo pieces and provides a wonderful contrast in the duets that she and Valerie perform. While her musical tastes are clearly eclectic, Lauren loves singing jazz. She cites Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Diane Schurr among her influences.
Valerie McNickol was born in Central New York but grew up living in many places, spending her teenage years in the Mid-West. Although her roots are in Country music and the Big Band sounds of the 40’s and 50’s, her early exposure to the multi-cultural fabric of the US inspired a love for many musical styles. Valerie is a classically trained vocalist with a background in musical theatre. She has been an opening act for Romanovsky & Phillips, and was graced with the honor of singing Happy Birthday to comedian Suzanne Westenhoffer for her opening show in Syracuse! Valerie has a Master degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, for which she derives her passion for equal access and equal rights for all - even in entertainment and through music (“lest we forget that music is derived from all shapes, sounds and movement, and songs are from the soul”). Valerie has performed extensively with various musical groups perfecting her compelling stage presence, and loving the opportunity to entertain. Valerie has a smoky mezzo-soprano voice perfectly complimenting Lauren’s sultry soprano.
Lisa Tokarz - Originally from Auburn NY, Lisa brings over 20 years of experience playing the alto sax in the Syracuse music scene. Her influences include David Sanborn, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Hodges, and the E-Street Band's Clarence Clemons. Lisa’s versatile and sensuous playing style adds an element of raw passion to the smooth jazz of The Nines.
From northern New Jersey, Lisa Bloom has been playing piano and bass professionally since high school. Lisa has a Bachelor of Music with a major in Composition. Previous experience includes a music directorship at Scotland's Edinburgh Festival, bassist for Manhattan-based swing bands playing gigs at the Copa Cabana, and piano for Melissa Etheridge. She wrote the song "Angels", which continues to raise funds for relief efforts and has had airplay in the northeast. She currently lives and gigs in Central New York. Lisa is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and holds a 4th Degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Melinda Gerken Back from a 5 year hiatus, Mindy re-joins The Nines as the bassist. She was with the group at it's inception in 1997 and brings The Nines sound back to it's roots. Mindy has played in a wide variety of bands since high school from 3 piece folk bands to pit orchestras to jazz ensembles. In addition to bass, she has played guitar, piano, bassoon and low brass instruments. Mindy's reliable, right-in-the-pocket bass lines hold up the foundation of every tune, giving The Nines a home base from which to venture out and return to.